Biggest Disappointments: Top 10 Overhyped Crime Series

1. The Bridge (2013-2014)

The Bridge, based on a Scandinavian series of the same name, started with a fascinating premise: a murder victim found precisely on the US-Mexico border, causing two detectives from both sides to collaborate.

However, despite a solid cast, including Diane Kruger and Demián Bichir, the show never quite managed to live up to its gripping beginning. Critics lamented the series' heavy-handed approach to socio-political issues and its frustratingly slow pace.

Holding a 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Bridge ended up being a prime example of a series that couldn't match its source material's intensity.

2. The Mist (2017)

Based on Stephen King 's novella, The Mist was a horror-crime series that promised an eerie story about a town enveloped by a deadly fog. Sounds thrilling, right?

Unfortunately, the fog seemed to have clouded the vision of the showrunners as well. Instead of focusing on the chilling supernatural elements, the series was bogged down by tedious interpersonal conflicts and one-dimensional characters.

Despite Stephen King's endorsement, The Mist was canceled after one season, a fate many critics deemed a mercy killing. The series has a dismal Rotten Tomatoes rating of 60%.

3. The Following (2013-2015)

In The Following, we see Kevin Bacon chasing a serial killer and his cult of followers, a premise that sounds deliciously intriguing on paper. However, the series quickly succumbs to implausible plotlines and inconsistent characterization. Bacon, who can usually sizzle on screen, is left stranded by the show's lackluster writing.

Despite its ambitious premise, the series became increasingly convoluted, leading to a decline in viewer interest and a tepid 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Even the show's creator, Kevin Williamson, admitted in an interview that the series had some "bumpy roads".

4. Hemlock Grove (2013-2015)

This Netflix original series promised a chilling blend of crime and supernatural elements, but unfortunately, the only thing chilling about it was how cold the reception was. Despite a premise that promised werewolves, vampires, and murder mysteries, Hemlock Grove was widely criticized for its poor pacing and underdeveloped characters.

The series holds a dismal 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting its tendency to favor style over substance. Still, despite the critical panning, Hemlock Grove somehow snagged two Primetime Emmy nominations in its first season.

5. Stalker (2014-2015)

Created by Kevin Williamson, the same man behind The Following, Stalker is a crime series that managed to turn an intriguing concept into a dull, repetitive slog. The series follows a pair of LAPD detectives who specialize in stalking cases, but the plots were often derivative and relied heavily on clichéd tropes.

Despite a promising cast that includes Dylan McDermott and Maggie Q, Stalker couldn't shake off its own shadows of inadequacy, and it was canceled after just one season.

6. The Killing (2011-2014)

The Killing initially garnered attention with its atmospheric portrayal of Seattle and a compelling murder mystery involving a young girl. However, it quickly lost goodwill by refusing to provide answers to the central mystery in the first season, leading to viewer frustration and a sharp decline in ratings.

Although the series managed to limp along for four seasons, it never quite regained the intrigue it initially sparked. Its current 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes seems generous, considering how fast it dropped the ball.

7. Ironside (2013)

Ironside was a remake of the classic 1960s series about a wheelchair-bound detective. Played by Blair Underwood in the 2013 version, Robert Ironside is a tough-as-nails detective who doesn't let his disability get in the way of cracking cases.

Despite Underwood's commendable performance, the series was bogged down by lackluster storytelling and an overreliance on detective show clichés. It was canceled after only four episodes – as if someone needed a further proof that nostalgia isn't enough to mask mediocrity.

8. Murder in the First (2014-2016)

Murder in the First, a crime drama series that attempted to focus on a single case per season, had a promising concept. But somehow, between concept and execution, things went decidedly awry.

Despite the charm of Taye Diggs and Kathleen Robertson, the series was repeatedly criticized for its shallow characterization and predictable plot twists. The first season revolved around a Silicon Valley wunderkind accused of murder, but the subsequent seasons lacked the hook and suspense that makes a crime series gripping.

With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 81%, it's one of those series that managed to hold viewer interest just enough to avoid outright cancellation. Still, considering the talent involved, it was a case of underwhelming delivery on high expectations.

9. Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)

There's no doubt that David Lynch's original Twin Peaks series was an iconic masterpiece. But the follow-up, Twin Peaks: The Return ((sometimes referred to as Season 3), didn't quite hit the mark for many viewers.

While some lauded its return to form, others found the series overly convoluted and lacking in the original's charm. Yes, we are willing to give it to Lynch for wanting to avoid rehashing old plots, but the result was a series that seemed to revel in its own weirdness rather than serving up a coherent story.

Despite a star-studded cast, including the likes of Kyle MacLachlan and Laura Dern, The Return became one of those shows that has 'acquired taste' written all over it.

10. Instinct (2018-2019)

Instinct, a crime series starring Alan Cumming as a former CIA operative turned professor, held so much promise. However, the series, which was based on a James Patterson novel, turned out to be a classic case of wasted potential. Even Cumming's charisma couldn't salvage the tedious plotlines and wooden dialogue, leading to its cancellation after two seasons.

It's worth noting that Cumming was the first openly gay lead character in an American network drama, a notable milestone tarnished by the show's subpar execution.